Allegations surrounding irregular recruitment practices and contract adjustments within the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) were highlighted during a recent tribunal hearing focused on the conduct of suspended Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa. The inquiry, overseen by Justices Daniel Goundar, Dane Tuiqereqere, and Savenaca Banuve, included testimonies from key witnesses, including FCS’s legal manager, Samisoni Naba.
Naba indicated that the recruitment process for nurse practitioners was already in motion when he took on his role. He reported that a memorandum, signed by Dr. Nakarawa, introduced new eligibility criteria just one day prior to scheduled interviews for the positions. He stated that the memorandum altered the original job advertisement, which had been published in October and November 2024, by omitting the necessity for candidates to be ‘registered nurse practitioners’—a requirement later questioned by a Ministry of Health representative.
Seven candidates were interviewed, with the top three scorers recommended for hiring. Naba recommended two nurse practitioners for the southern and northern divisions and arranged for Dr. Nakarawa’s wife to be appointed at FCS’s national headquarters. However, discussions regarding her employment revealed complications, including the addition of a “watching allowance,” which Naba contested, arguing it breached policy.
The inquiry also addressed the demotion of Helen Koi, a senior accounts officer who faced changes to her contract following pressure from Dr. Nakarawa. Naba noted that Koi initially resisted signing the amended contract but ultimately complied after being pressured to sign or face dismissal. Additionally, contract variations for other officers and the dismissal of Assistant Commissioner Corporate Services Salesia Racaca emerged as areas of concern.
The tribunal also heard from Kiman Mala, a Ministry of Finance official, who confirmed that the national budget for 2024-2025 allocated $9.8 million for salary adjustments and 81 new positions within the FCS as part of a multi-year restructuring plan. Despite this allocation, questions arose regarding the implementation of these positions and the transparency surrounding the management of roles within the service.
Furthermore, the inquiry has drawn parallels with earlier testimonies which highlighted broader systemic issues within FCS, including accusations of intimidation among staff regarding Dr. Nakarawa’s leadership style. Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga and other witnesses have raised concerns about governance, emphasizing a need for accountability and adherence to procedural fairness in public service appointments.
These hearings create a crucial opportunity for reform within the Fiji Corrections Service, potentially strengthening trust and transparency. As these inquiries unfold, there remains hope that the outcomes will foster transformative changes in governance practices, reinforcing public confidence in the integrity of Fiji’s corrections system.